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HEADLINES

Bees, flowers wilted by climate change: Study
Sept. 8, 2010 - Honey bees and the flowers they feed off are being stung by climate change. New Canadian research suggests that climate change may be causing some flowers to open before bees wake up from hibernation. The Montreal Gazette reports. | READ MORE

Drugs seized at B.C. flower shop
Sept. 3, 2010 - A raid on a flower shop in the municipality south of Vancouver also turned up 15 kilograms of opium poppy seed for planting and 10 large boxes of dried opium poppy seed cases from which doda is produced, police say. CBCNews.com reports. | READ MORE

Peony could ease chemo side-effects
Sept. 1, 2010 - The peony may soon be giving fresh hope to cancer patients. Its beautiful blossoms could help ease the distressing side-effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and weight loss. The Daily Mail reports. | READ MORE

Funeral traditions wilt as consumers cut costs
Sept. 1, 2010 - The business of death is struggling. Not only will consumers settle for cheaper caskets and fewer flowers for our loved ones, but they may move services to, say, a park. MSNMoney.com reports. | READ MORE

Credit Card Crunch

The credit card industry is undergoing a major upheaval, as Visa and MasterCard get ready to enter the debit market. This section will highlight the latest news on the issue:

Credit, debit industry has one month to adopt code
April 16, 2010 - Retailers' groups are applauding the new code of conduct for credit-and debit-card companies being introduced in Canada | READ MORE

Group commends government's steps with credit card industry
March 5, 2010 - The Payments Accountability Council is encouraged by steps taken to ensure credit card company practices kept in-check. | READ MORE

Ottawa puts credit card industry on notice
March 5, 2010 - Ottawa is proposing legislation that would give the federal finance minister the authority to regulate the credit and debit card industry. | READ MORE

Interac to remain non-profit: Regulator
Feb. 13, 2010 - The federal competition watchdog says that it could not support Interac's bid to become a for-profit company. | READ MORE

Paying cash may benefit consumers
Feb. 5, 2010 - Retailers should be allowed to surcharge consumers based on the type of payment used, a study finds. | READ MORE

Small biz groups react
Monday, Jan. 18 marked the last day for banks, credit card companies, consumer groups, retailers and others to make their submissions for the government on the proposed credit card and debit code. | READ MORE

Audit of 'excessive' bank profits
Dec. 15, 2009 – Service and credit card fees too high, advocacy group says. CBCNews.ca reports. | READ MORE

CFIB
Dec. 15, 2009 – The Canadian Federation of Independent Busiess is another organization lobbying to change the payment card industry. | READ MORE

Retail Council of Canada
Dec. 15, 2009 – The Retail Council has put together a credit and debit watchdog page with letters of response from Visa Canada and TD Merchant Services. | READ MORE